Sure, carbon markets are volatile. Sure, the market is theoretically best suited for a large dairy farm, even those providing manure into a community digester. But that didn’t stop Michael Crinion of Ash Grove Dairy.

While recent changes in policy and markets have added uncertainty to the economics of digesters, the technology remains a valuable option for dairies looking to improve sustainability, prepare for a carbon-conscious future and manage manure more effectively.

RNG opportunities on farms are becoming more cost-effective, with improved technology and affordability, much like the evolution of color TVs. For those considering RNG, many third-party resources, including attorneys, CPAs, lenders and others experienced in the process, can help evaluate what makes sense for your operation.

Whether your objective is sustainability, a new revenue source or odor control, interest in and development of dairy anaerobic digester projects has swelled over the past few years. The upward trend is only expected to increase as dairies seek manure solutions to meet a changing marketplace.

There’s a lot of buzz around renewable natural gas (RNG) as a means for dairy farmers to diversify revenue while improving their carbon footprints. For many operators, it can be a particularly attractive option, especially given the current market and economic conditions.

Milk has been the traditional commodity of dairy farms for generations, but with the global demand to improve sustainability measures across industries, dairy producers should consider how there is opportunity on the farms beyond milk production.